CVE-2023-34112 in JavaCPP Presets
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2023
JavaCPP Presets is a project providing Java distributions of native C++ libraries. All the actions in the `bytedeco/javacpp-presets` use the `github.event.head_commit.message?` parameter in an insecure way. For example, the commit message is used in a run statement - resulting in a command injection vulnerability due to string interpolation. No exploitation has been reported. This issue has been addressed in version 1.5.9. Users of JavaCPP Presets are advised to upgrade as a precaution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-34112 affects JavaCPP Presets, a project that provides Java distributions of native C++ libraries through the bytedeco/javacpp-presets repository. This issue stems from insecure handling of the `github.event.head_commit.message` parameter within GitHub Actions workflows, creating a command injection vulnerability through improper string interpolation. The flaw exists in how commit messages are processed and incorporated into run statements, allowing potential attackers to execute arbitrary commands when the workflow processes commit information.
This vulnerability represents a classic command injection flaw that falls under CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. The issue occurs within the context of continuous integration and deployment pipelines where commit messages are automatically processed without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. When a commit message containing malicious commands is pushed to the repository, the GitHub Actions workflow processes this untrusted input directly in command execution contexts, creating a significant security risk.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to the build environment and potentially compromise the entire CI/CD pipeline. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the build server, access sensitive credentials stored in the environment, or even modify the source code itself. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to 1.5.9, making it a critical concern for organizations relying on JavaCPP Presets for their native library distributions. The lack of reported exploitation does not diminish the severity, as command injection vulnerabilities typically represent high-risk attack vectors that can be easily weaponized.
Mitigation strategies should focus on upgrading to version 1.5.9 or later, which addresses the vulnerability through proper input sanitization and parameter handling. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as validating commit message content, implementing proper input escaping for workflow parameters, and restricting permissions for CI/CD workflows. The fix aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter execution, emphasizing the need for proper input validation and sanitization in automated environments. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns and establish secure coding practices for GitHub Actions workflows to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other projects.